Telco requirements for successful 5G journey – Telcos need to implement 5G while simultaneously lowering operating costs and improving agility. Zero-touch provisioning of the network and automated ongoing maintenance of that network are necessary to achieve these goals.
Telco challenges – The transition from VNF to CNF and the transition to the public cloud provide opportunities for cost savings and increased agility. To take advantage of this, telcos must meet the challenges of managing large numbers of sites, zero-touch automation with a human-free control loop, optimization of scarce edge resources, and addressing the limitations of legacy out-of-band network automation.
Automation industry gap – Having multiple automation control planes for different types of infrastructure and different types of network functions makes it impossible to provide interconnected automations that maintain consistency across layers. It also makes it impossible to automatically adapt interrelated layers when one of them changes. There is need to consolidate automation control planes and bring all the declarative, active reconciliation benefits to the entire stack.
Issue with existing Infrastructure-as-Code automation
Complex templates that intermingle code and data are exceptionally difficult to test and maintain. Also, because templates generate manifests as output, you can’t edit those manifests afterward (they’ll be overwritten next time you run the template). This means every single field in every resource ends up as an input to the templates. The results are massive lists of parameters that are not easily understood.
Conditionally generated config based on those inputs makes intent-based continuous reconciliation difficult or impossible. It also results in debugging issues – you have to backtrack from what is in your cluster through all the conditionals to figure out how to fix a problem.
Key solution requirements
Below are the three key solution requirements to be considered:
A cloud native solution, beyond just containerizing to get the cost, scalability, and efficiency benefits of the cloud.
Separate requirements for workload infrastructure and its implementation to increase the portability of the workloads across platforms.
Cloud-native network functions should use declarative configuration with active reconciliation.
Nephio: Solution Overview
Nephio is Kubernetes-based intent-driven automation of network functions and the underlying infrastructure that supports those functions. It allows users to express high-level intent, and provides intelligent, declarative automation that can set up the cloud and edge infrastructure, render initial configurations for the network functions, and then deliver those configurations to the right clusters to get the network up and running.
Nephio breaks down the larger problem into two primary areas:
Kubernetes as a uniform automation control plane in each site to configure all aspects of the distributed cloud and network functions
An automation framework that leverages Kubernetes declarative, actively-reconciled methodology along with machine-manipulable configuration to tame the complexity of these configurations i.e. extends intent-based automation up the stack through the Kubernetes based automation framework.
Benefits of Nephio Kubernetes Based Cloud Native Automation
Telcos
An open, simple, widely adopted Kubernetes-based cloud-native automation that enables multi-vendor support, faster onboarding, easier lifecycle management, embedded control-loop, active reconciliation, and service assurance — reducing cost by efficiency and agility.
Cloud Providers
A common cloud-based automation framework based on well-proven Kubernetes technology minimizes the levels of custom automation solutions needed for each application. Kubernetes-based automation enables faster development with known technology and assures network functions will deploy and run reliably on top of the Cloud.
Network Function Vendors
A Kubernetes based cloud native automation enables easier multi-vendor integration with cloud providers, makes Network Function onboarding to cloud easier and improves the overall customer experience with simple and reliably integrated cloud native automation.
Nephio Kubernetes as a Uniform Automation Control Plane
Utilizing Kubernetes as the automation control plane at each layer of the stack simplifies the overall automation, and enables declarative management with active reconciliation for the entire stack.
We can broadly think of three layers in the stack, as shown in below figure 1.
Cloud infrastructure
Workload (network function) resources
Workload (network function) configuration
Nephio is establishing open, extensible Kubernetes Custom Resource Definition (CRD) models for each layer of the stack, in conformance to the 3GPP & O-RAN standards.
Source: Nephio | Figure 1: Configuration Layers
Cloud automation layer
For the cloud automation layer (1), Nephio publishes Kubernetes-based CRDs and operators for each public and private cloud infrastructure automation that is in conformance to industry standards (e.g., O-RAN O2 interface).
These CRDs and operators can make use of existing Kubernetes-based ecosystem projects as pluggable southbound interfaces (e.g., Google Config Connector, AWS Controllers for Kubernetes, and Azure Service Operator), providing an open integration point and more uniform automation across those providers.
Workload resource automation
The workload resource automation area (2) covers the configuration for provisioning network function containers and the requirements those functions have for the node and network fabric. This includes the native Kubernetes primitives and industry extensions such as multi-network Pods, SR-IOV, and similar technologies.
Today, using these effectively requires complex Infrastructure-as-Code templates that are purpose built for specific network functions. Taking a Configuration-as-Data, Kubernetes CRD approach, capturing configuration with well structured schemas, allows development of robust standards-based automation. Nephio’s goal is to achieve this open, simple, and declarative configuration for network function automation.
Workload configuration
For workload configuration (3), Nephio initially provides tooling and libraries to assist vendors with integrating existing Yang and other industry models with Nephio, in conformance to the standards (e.g., 01, 3gpp interfaces specs).
To fully realize the benefits of cloud native automation, these models will need to migrate to Kubernetes CRDs, as these configurations are intimately tied to those described in workload resource automation (2). Nephio provides the same tooling at every layer, enabling the automation of interrelated configuration between those layers.
Nephio Declarative Automation Framework
The below figure provides an overview of Nephio’s functional components. The previously discussed uniform automation control plane is represented at the bottom of the diagram, shown running on individual site clusters as the “Intent Actuation” layer.
The second part of the solution, the Kubernetes-based automation framework, is the top part of the diagram. These components are shown as running in an “Orchestration Cluster” – a separate Kubernetes cluster for housing the automation framework.
The Nephio automation framework is built on the Google Open Source projects kpt and ConfigSync and implements the Configuration-as-Data approach to configuration management. This enables users to author, review and publish configuration packages which may then be cloned and customized to deploy network functions. This customization can be fully automated, or mix-and-match automated and human-initiated changes without conflicts and without losing the ability to easily upgrade to new versions of the packages.
Source: Nephio | Figure 2: Nephio Functional Building Blocks
Nephio Reference Architecture
Nephio produces a reference implementation (as shown in the below Figure) demonstrating Nephio’s mission to “materially simplify the deployment and management of multi-vendor cloud infrastructure and network functions across large scale edge deployments.” This reference implementation leverages existing Kubernetes open source and ecosystem projects, including the Google open source projects kpt and ConfigSync (kpt is already open source; ConfigSync will be open sourced 2H 2022 or earlier).
Source: Nephio | Figure 3: Reference Implementation and Google Open Source
Nephio Quotes
“The Linux Foundation is pleased to host the Nephio project and we’ve been inspired by the enthusiasm, energy, and participation of the founding members. We see momentum building around open, end-to-end solutions, with Nephio playing a key role helping to overcome industry pain points for cloud infrastructure and network functions alongside the LF Networking, CNCF, and LF Edge project communities,” said Rainy Haiby, CTO Networking, Edge/IoT and Access at Linux Foundation.
“Nephio presents a unique opportunity for CSPs to create a new revenue stream through an edge broker business. Nephio simplifies orchestration and management of both network functions and the underlying infrastructure, along with leveraging Kubernetes automation which is a big plus for the 5G + MEC (multi-access edge computing) era,” said Amar Kapadia, Co-Founder & CEO at Aarna Networks.
The rise of smart vehicles, projected to surpass 470 million connected cars by 2025, is rapidly transforming the transportation landscape. Enabled by IoT, these vehicles offer real-time communication with infrastructure, on-the-go diagnostics, and advanced safety features. Yet, challenges like patchy cellular network coverage persist. From facilitating autonomous driving and vehicle-to-vehicle communication to enhancing safety and sustainability, satellite-powered IoT is set to accelerate the connected vehicles revolution, optimizing transportation efficiency and environmental impact.
The rise of smart vehicles, projected to surpass 470 million connected cars by 2025, is rapidly transforming the transportation landscape. Enabled by IoT, these vehicles offer real-time communication with infrastructure, on-the-go diagnostics, and advanced safety features. Yet, challenges like patchy cellular network coverage persist. From facilitating autonomous driving and vehicle-to-vehicle communication to enhancing safety and sustainability, satellite-powered IoT is set to accelerate the connected vehicles revolution, optimizing transportation efficiency and environmental impact.
The mobile phone industry is undergoing a transformation, with emerging technology enabling direct communication between standard mobile phones and satellites. With regulatory changes, international partnerships, and new technological standards, mobile devices will soon boast enhanced satellite connectivity. Companies like SpaceX and Apple are diving deep into the race to provide extensive satellite communication, partnering with T-Mobile and Globalstar, respectively. As the competition intensifies, companies are pushed to innovate or risk becoming obsolete.
The mobile phone industry is undergoing a transformation, with emerging technology enabling direct communication between standard mobile phones and satellites. With regulatory changes, international partnerships, and new technological standards, mobile devices will soon boast enhanced satellite connectivity. Companies like SpaceX and Apple are diving deep into the race to provide extensive satellite communication, partnering with T-Mobile and Globalstar, respectively. As the competition intensifies, companies are pushed to innovate or risk becoming obsolete.
Discover how Radisys Corporation is shaping the future of Open RAN and 5G technologies. Embracing change and spurring innovation, Radisys is accelerating the deployment of flexible and integrated solutions, pioneering a new era in wireless communication. Learn how they are extending network coverage, deploying private 5G use cases, and championing energy efficiency. Explore Radisys’ strategic focus areas in partner collaboration and their extensive collaborations within the 5G ecosystem in our comprehensive article.
Discover how Radisys Corporation is shaping the future of Open RAN and 5G technologies. Embracing change and spurring innovation, Radisys is accelerating the deployment of flexible and integrated solutions, pioneering a new era in wireless communication. Learn how they are extending network coverage, deploying private 5G use cases, and championing energy efficiency. Explore Radisys’ strategic focus areas in partner collaboration and their extensive collaborations within the 5G ecosystem in our comprehensive article.
Discover how the Telecom Infra Project (TIP) is leading the Open RAN revolution by accelerating the commercial adoption of secure, high-performance network solutions. Tackling challenges in Open RAN adoption and catalyzing industry effort, TIP’s project groups, badging processes, and marketplace initiatives are reshaping the future of Open RAN and 5G technology.
Discover how the Telecom Infra Project (TIP) is leading the Open RAN revolution by accelerating the commercial adoption of secure, high-performance network solutions. Tackling challenges in Open RAN adoption and catalyzing industry effort, TIP’s project groups, badging processes, and marketplace initiatives are reshaping the future of Open RAN and 5G technology.
In the rapidly advancing world of 5G, small cell networks are leading the charge toward the growth of Open RAN. The small cell ecosystem has always been a champion of innovation, allowing new and established vendors to coexist. Now, organizations like the SCF and O-RAN Alliance are working together to face the challenges of creating a RAN that is not only multivendor but, in many instances, virtualized. By leveraging the lessons learned from early experiences of open networking, these organizations are creating blueprints to help mitigate risks for early adopters. As per SCF’s latest forecast, open vRAN architectures are set to account for over half of the small cell installed base by 2028, signifying a monumental shift in the industry.
In the rapidly advancing world of 5G, small cell networks are leading the charge toward the growth of Open RAN. The small cell ecosystem has always been a champion of innovation, allowing new and established vendors to coexist. Now, organizations like the SCF and O-RAN Alliance are working together to face the challenges of creating a RAN that is not only multivendor but, in many instances, virtualized. By leveraging the lessons learned from early experiences of open networking, these organizations are creating blueprints to help mitigate risks for early adopters. As per SCF’s latest forecast, open vRAN architectures are set to account for over half of the small cell installed base by 2028, signifying a monumental shift in the industry.
We are witnessing a paradigm shift in telecommunications. Open RAN is at the forefront, emphasizing a disaggregated and open approach to network architecture. This change has the potential to redefine global communication networks by enabling interoperability, fostering innovation, and democratizing access to advanced 5G technology. However, international cooperation on the Open RAN policy is vital to harness its potential fully. Governments worldwide must embrace pro-Open RAN policies, unlock funding, and encourage cross-border investments. Join Open RAN Policy Coalition in this revolution to enhance connectivity, narrow the digital divide, and promote socio-economic development worldwide.
We are witnessing a paradigm shift in telecommunications. Open RAN is at the forefront, emphasizing a disaggregated and open approach to network architecture. This change has the potential to redefine global communication networks by enabling interoperability, fostering innovation, and democratizing access to advanced 5G technology. However, international cooperation on the Open RAN policy is vital to harness its potential fully. Governments worldwide must embrace pro-Open RAN policies, unlock funding, and encourage cross-border investments. Join Open RAN Policy Coalition in this revolution to enhance connectivity, narrow the digital divide, and promote socio-economic development worldwide.
Welcome to the era of 5G revolution with the CAMARA Project. This initiative exposes telco network capabilities via APIs, simplifying network complexity and providing benefits across telco operators and countries. It’s transforming the very fabric of telecom networks into robust service platforms, opening the door for enhanced service capabilities and fresh revenue streams for telecom providers. Dive into this article to learn about the CAMARA Project’s journey, its approach towards standardization and simplification, and its vision for the future. Explore now!
Welcome to the era of 5G revolution with the CAMARA Project. This initiative exposes telco network capabilities via APIs, simplifying network complexity and providing benefits across telco operators and countries. It’s transforming the very fabric of telecom networks into robust service platforms, opening the door for enhanced service capabilities and fresh revenue streams for telecom providers. Dive into this article to learn about the CAMARA Project’s journey, its approach towards standardization and simplification, and its vision for the future. Explore now!
In this article, we delve into the transformative potential of 5G in the Spatial Web era. With fascinating insights into the convergence of 5G, AI, AR, VR, and NFTs, we illuminate how these technologies are reshaping the retail industry and consumer engagement at large. As the global Spatial Web market surges towards an estimated value of $30.7 billion by 2025, we dissect the pivotal role of 5G and telcos in meeting the heightened demands of this digital revolution. Explore this riveting piece for a deep understanding of the future of consumer interaction in the evolving Spatial Web landscape.
In this article, we delve into the transformative potential of 5G in the Spatial Web era. With fascinating insights into the convergence of 5G, AI, AR, VR, and NFTs, we illuminate how these technologies are reshaping the retail industry and consumer engagement at large. As the global Spatial Web market surges towards an estimated value of $30.7 billion by 2025, we dissect the pivotal role of 5G and telcos in meeting the heightened demands of this digital revolution. Explore this riveting piece for a deep understanding of the future of consumer interaction in the evolving Spatial Web landscape.
With AI and edge computing, the telecommunications industry is entering a new era of innovation. This in-depth article explores the synergies of Generative AI, edge computing, and OSS/BSS platforms in reshaping the future of telecom operations. From improved operational efficiency to real-time customer support, the possibilities are astounding. Take a journey into the future of telecommunications with us!
With AI and edge computing, the telecommunications industry is entering a new era of innovation. This in-depth article explores the synergies of Generative AI, edge computing, and OSS/BSS platforms in reshaping the future of telecom operations. From improved operational efficiency to real-time customer support, the possibilities are astounding. Take a journey into the future of telecommunications with us!
This article discusses the transformative potential of 5G technology in telecommunications and the rise of a 5G marketplace model. It highlights how 5G’s high-speed, low-latency, and reliable capabilities can enhance Internet of Things applications, virtual reality, and mission-critical business communications. The article also explores how communication service providers can leverage 5G to offer value-based pricing and new services through network slicing and multi-access edge computing. The proposed 5G marketplace model allows users to compare and choose from various service offerings, similar to established B2C and B2B marketplaces. However, it also mentions the need for robust infrastructure, complex billing mechanisms, and industry acceptance for the successful implementation of this model.
This article discusses the transformative potential of 5G technology in telecommunications and the rise of a 5G marketplace model. It highlights how 5G’s high-speed, low-latency, and reliable capabilities can enhance Internet of Things applications, virtual reality, and mission-critical business communications. The article also explores how communication service providers can leverage 5G to offer value-based pricing and new services through network slicing and multi-access edge computing. The proposed 5G marketplace model allows users to compare and choose from various service offerings, similar to established B2C and B2B marketplaces. However, it also mentions the need for robust infrastructure, complex billing mechanisms, and industry acceptance for the successful implementation of this model.
Geoff delves into why 5G revenues have failed to meet expectations, what customers and businesses anticipate from network operators and the potential for operators to capitalize on new monetization opportunities.
Geoff delves into why 5G revenues have failed to meet expectations, what customers and businesses anticipate from network operators and the potential for operators to capitalize on new monetization opportunities.
How to monetize 5G? That is a question that entire telecoms sector is asking, and there isn’t a quick answer – 5G isn’t a one-size-fits-all technology.
How to monetize 5G? That is a question that entire telecoms sector is asking, and there isn’t a quick answer – 5G isn’t a one-size-fits-all technology.
Realtime services and applications place new demands on overall network performance and reliability. As a result, mobile operators are under pressure to improve their networks to ensure a high-quality user experience supported by high service availability.
Realtime services and applications place new demands on overall network performance and reliability. As a result, mobile operators are under pressure to improve their networks to ensure a high-quality user experience supported by high service availability.
To truly monetize 5G, we need to provide consumers with 1) services they want to use that 2) demonstrate the value of 5G. This is how consumers rationalize the price they pay for accessing our network.
To truly monetize 5G, we need to provide consumers with 1) services they want to use that 2) demonstrate the value of 5G. This is how consumers rationalize the price they pay for accessing our network.
System integrators have a strong role in helping operators and enterprises in planning, building, and managing complex network environments while maximizing performance and minimizing costs by effectively deploying solutions and technologies from diverse ecosystem players. With their deep technical knowledge, competence, and wider industry experience, they can offer tailored solutions that enable the successful deployment of public and private networks and ensure long-term success for those organizations that partner with them.
System integrators have a strong role in helping operators and enterprises in planning, building, and managing complex network environments while maximizing performance and minimizing costs by effectively deploying solutions and technologies from diverse ecosystem players. With their deep technical knowledge, competence, and wider industry experience, they can offer tailored solutions that enable the successful deployment of public and private networks and ensure long-term success for those organizations that partner with them.
Like the past two years, 2023 will likely be another year of headwinds and change. While there’s no way to predict what will unfold for telcos, there are a few trends we expect to take root.
Like the past two years, 2023 will likely be another year of headwinds and change. While there’s no way to predict what will unfold for telcos, there are a few trends we expect to take root.
While private mobile networks create new security considerations for enterprise security leaders, proactive measures can be taken to mitigate these risks and stay a step ahead. In this article, we provide the following areas to focus on in 2023 as private mobile network security earns a spot on the CISO priority list.
While private mobile networks create new security considerations for enterprise security leaders, proactive measures can be taken to mitigate these risks and stay a step ahead. In this article, we provide the following areas to focus on in 2023 as private mobile network security earns a spot on the CISO priority list.
2023 is shaping up to be a challenging year. The ongoing war, energy crisis, rising interest rates, and rampant inflation have created a perfect storm for the telco industry. That said, plenty of exciting developments and changes are on the horizon.
2023 is shaping up to be a challenging year. The ongoing war, energy crisis, rising interest rates, and rampant inflation have created a perfect storm for the telco industry. That said, plenty of exciting developments and changes are on the horizon.
The top 3 telco trends for 2023 – Private Networks, Open RAN and Edge Computing. 5G networks are increasingly becoming software driven. To benefit from the power of 5G in making their operations more automated and efficient, many enterprises have started to roll out private 5G networks. Mobile Network Operators are moving towards virtualized, cloud-optimized Radio Access Network (RAN) architecture. Another dimension to the implementation of virtualized telecom networks is the proliferation of Edge Computing.
The top 3 telco trends for 2023 – Private Networks, Open RAN and Edge Computing. 5G networks are increasingly becoming software driven. To benefit from the power of 5G in making their operations more automated and efficient, many enterprises have started to roll out private 5G networks. Mobile Network Operators are moving towards virtualized, cloud-optimized Radio Access Network (RAN) architecture. Another dimension to the implementation of virtualized telecom networks is the proliferation of Edge Computing.
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